AUKUS Submarine Deal Revised: Australia to Get Three Used US Subs
The US, UK, and Australia amended the AUKUS pact at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, replacing the original plan for two used and one new Virginia-class submarine with three used US Navy boats for Australia. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles cited cost-effectiveness and simplified logistics. The change addresses US shipbuilding delays but reduces Australia’s submarine lifespan. The program is projected to cost up to $235 billion over 30 years.
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AUKUS Submarine Deal Revised: Australia Gets Three Used Subs Instead of New Ones Due to US Shipbuilding Shortfalls
The AUKUS submarine deal has been revised, with Australia now set to purchase three secondhand Virginia-class submarines from the US Navy instead of the originally planned mix of new and used boats. The change, confirmed in a May 30 joint statement by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is framed as a cost-saving simplification to streamline supply chain management and maintenance. However, the revision means Australia will forgo a newly built submarine with a full service life, as US shipyards cannot keep up with production demands. The original 'Optimal Pathway' had envisioned Australia acquiring between three and five Virginia-class boats during the 2030s, including a new Block VII submarine, followed by domestic construction of SSN-AUKUS vessels in the early 2040s. The Pentagon's review under the Trump administration highlighted concerns about US shipbuilding capacity to sustain both American and allied commitments.
19FortyFiveAUKUS Submarine Deal Revised: Australia to Get Three Used Virginia-Class Subs Instead of Mix Due to US Shipbuilding Delays
Under a revised AUKUS deal confirmed on May 30, 2026, Australia will acquire three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. Navy instead of the originally promised mix of two used boats and one newly built Block VII submarine. The change, announced by Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aims to simplify supply chains, maintenance, and training while maximizing cost efficiencies. However, it means Australia gives up a new submarine with a full service life. The original 2023 'Optimal Pathway' had envisioned purchasing three to five Virginia-class boats during the 2030s, followed by domestic production of SSN-AUKUS submarines in the early 2040s. The revision reflects U.S. shipbuilding capacity constraints and follows a Pentagon review under the Trump administration. Canberra frames the decision as a cost-saving simplification, but critics note Australia receives less capability than originally promised.
19FortyFiveAUKUS Submarine Deal Revised: Australia to Get Three Used Virginia-Class Subs Instead of New Ones
The AUKUS submarine deal has been revised, with Australia now set to purchase three secondhand Virginia-class submarines from the US Navy instead of the originally planned mix of new and used boats. The change, confirmed in a joint statement by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on May 30, 2026, is framed as a cost-saving measure to simplify supply chain management and maintenance. However, the revision means Australia will forgo a newly built submarine with a full service life, as US shipyards struggle to meet production demands. The original 'Optimal Pathway' plan had envisioned Australia acquiring between three and five Virginia-class boats during the 2030s, including one new Block VII vessel, before transitioning to a domestically built SSN-AUKUS class in the early 2040s. The change reduces pressure on the US shipbuilding industry but has sparked concerns that Canberra is receiving less than originally promised.
19FortyFiveAustralia Drops New Virginia-Class Submarine for Three Used US Navy Units in Revised AUKUS Plan
On May 30, 2026, Australia, the US, and the UK revised the AUKUS submarine pathway, removing the only newly built Virginia-class submarine previously planned for the Royal Australian Navy. Instead, all three submarines to be transferred to Australia will come from the existing US Navy fleet. The change preserves the total number of submarines but reduces the long-term operational lifespan of Australia's undersea force, as the transferred boats will have already consumed part of their reactor life. The decision eases pressure on backlogged US shipyards struggling to meet fleet requirements while supporting AUKUS commitments. The operational value now depends on which submarines are selected and their remaining service life before the transition to SSN-AUKUS.
"site:armyrecognition.com" - Google NewsUS to send only used nuclear submarines to Australia in amended AUKUS deal
The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom announced an amendment to the AUKUS security pact at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Under the revised deal, Australia will receive three used Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US Navy instead of the originally planned mix of two used and one new vessel. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles defended the change as cost-effective and simplifying logistics, maintenance, and training. The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class submarines but faces production delays. Critics in the US question exporting nuclear subs amid domestic shortages. The AUKUS submarine program, central to Australia's defense strategy, is projected to cost up to $235 billion over 30 years.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.US to Send Only Used Nuclear Subs to Australia in Amended AUKUS Defense Deal
Australia will receive only used Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States under an amended AUKUS defense deal, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles announced on Sunday. The change, agreed at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, replaces the original plan for two used submarines and one new vessel with three in-service US Navy boats. Marles described the move as cost-effective and simplifying logistics, maintenance, and crew training. The US Navy currently operates 24 Virginia-class submarines but faces production delays. Critics in the US question selling nuclear subs to Australia amid domestic shortfalls. The AUKUS submarine program, central to Australia's defense strategy, is projected to cost up to US$235 billion over 30 years.
"site:thedefensepost.com" - Google News